Is India Strengthening Its Navy with 26 Rafale Fighter Jets from France?

New Delhi, April 28 (NationPress) On Monday, India finalized a significant Rs 63,000 crore government-to-government agreement with France for the acquisition of 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets, which will enhance the capabilities of the Indian Navy amidst increasing security tensions posed by China's maritime activities in the Indo-Pacific region.

This procurement will be executed under an Inter-Governmental Agreement, guaranteeing direct deliveries without any middlemen involved. The contract encompasses 22 single-seater jets and four twin-seater trainers, with all deliveries anticipated to be concluded by 2031.

The agreement follows the recent endorsement by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), presided over by PM Narendra Modi, on April 9.

The 26 Rafale-M jets, produced by Dassault Aviation of France, are slated for delivery within 37 to 65 months, with an expected completion date by 2030-31, according to senior officials.

This acquisition will encompass weapons, simulators, spare parts, logistical support, crew training, and ancillary equipment from the French government for the Indian Navy. Additionally, it will include local manufacturing of components under offset obligations as part of the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.

The fighter jets will be stationed on aircraft carriers INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, augmenting the Indian Navy's capacity to counter any emerging threats in the Indian Ocean.

The Rafale-M is a versatile fighter jet equipped with long-range cruise missiles, AM39 Exocet anti-ship missiles, and the Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. It has demonstrated its capabilities during operations with the French Navy and is utilized from the esteemed aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.

The jet features a durable landing system by Safran Group, along with folding wings and a reinforced undercarriage suitable for challenging sea conditions, deck landings, and tailhooks.

This deal will also provide logistical support and spare parts for the 36 Rafale fighter jets that were previously inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2016 as part of a Rs 59,000 crore agreement with France. These Rafale jets are organized into two squadrons within the IAF.

The first Rafale squadron is stationed at Ambala Air Force Station, while the second is located at Hasimara Air Force Station in West Bengal, close to the China border. The Rafale squadrons are intended to bolster India's air power in the eastern sector against China, as well as on the western front against Pakistan.

The French maritime fighter is a resilient aircraft designed to endure the rigorous conditions of aircraft carrier operations in a highly corrosive environment.

The naval variant, Rafale-M, will ensure compatibility with the IAF’s fighters, providing benefits in training, maintenance, and logistical support, according to officials.